30 Best Books To Read This Summer: Critics' Picks

Aria Freeman

6 min read

Post on May 31, 2025

4.0

Share

Top 10 Fiction Picks for Your Summer Reading List

Summer fiction often provides the perfect escape, and this year's offerings are no exception. These top 10 novels offer a blend of genres and styles, ensuring there's something for every fiction lover on your summer reading list. Grab your beach towel and prepare to be transported!

• “It Starts with Us” by Colleen Hoover: A poignant and emotionally charged sequel that explores themes of second chances and healing. [Amazon Link]
• "Lessons in Chemistry" by Bonnie Garmus: A witty and charming novel about a female chemist in the 1960s who becomes an unlikely TV cooking show star. [Amazon Link]
• "Verity" by Colleen Hoover: A suspenseful psychological thriller with unexpected twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end. [Amazon Link]
• "Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow" by Gabrielle Zevin: A heartwarming and insightful story about the enduring power of friendship and collaboration in the video game industry. [Amazon Link]
• "Spare" by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex: A raw and honest memoir that offers an unprecedented look into the life of a royal. [Amazon Link]
• "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" by Taylor Jenkins Reid: A captivating novel about a reclusive Hollywood legend and the secrets she reveals about her life. [Amazon Link]
• "The Love Hypothesis" by Ali Hazelwood: A witty and romantic novel about a graduate student who pretends to be in a relationship to appease her friend. [Amazon Link]
• "People We Meet on Vacation" by Emily Henry: A feel-good romance novel about two best friends who rediscover their feelings for each other on annual summer vacations. [Amazon Link]
• "Homegoing" by Yaa Gyasi: An epic novel that traces the descendants of two half-sisters from Ghana, one sold into slavery and the other who marries an Englishman. [Amazon Link]
• "Where the Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens: A captivating coming-of-age story with a mystery at its heart, set in the marshes of North Carolina. [Amazon Link]

10 Must-Read Non-Fiction Books This Summer

Summer is also a great time to expand your knowledge and delve into fascinating topics. This selection of non-fiction books offers diverse perspectives and captivating stories, perfect for enriching your summer reading list.

• “Spare” by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex: A raw and honest memoir that offers an unprecedented look into the life of a royal. [Amazon Link]
• "Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents" by Isabel Wilkerson: A powerful and insightful exploration of the caste system in the United States. [Amazon Link]
• "Project Hail Mary" by Andy Weir: A science fiction novel about an astronaut who wakes up with amnesia and must save humanity. [Amazon Link]
• "Educated" by Tara Westover: A memoir of a young woman's extraordinary journey from a survivalist upbringing to earning a PhD from Cambridge University. [Amazon Link]
• "The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History" by Elizabeth Kolbert: A Pulitzer Prize-winning book that explores the ongoing extinction crisis and its impact on the planet. [Amazon Link]
• "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari: A sweeping and thought-provoking history of humanity from the Stone Age to the present day. [Amazon Link]
• "Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup" by John Carreyrou: A gripping account of the rise and fall of the blood-testing company Theranos. [Amazon Link]
• "Untamed" by Glennon Doyle: A powerful and inspirational memoir about finding your authentic self. [Amazon Link]
• "Becoming" by Michelle Obama: The captivating memoir of the former First Lady of the United States. [Amazon Link]
• "Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland" by Patrick Radden Keefe: An immersive and insightful look at the Troubles in Northern Ireland and the lasting impact on its people. [Amazon Link]

Biographies and Memoirs for the Summer

For readers interested in real-life stories, these memoirs and biographies offer compelling narratives and fascinating insights into the lives of extraordinary individuals. "Spare" by Prince Harry provides a unique perspective on royal life, while "Educated" by Tara Westover is a powerful testament to the human spirit's resilience. "Becoming" by Michelle Obama offers an intimate glimpse into the life of a remarkable woman.

10 Thrilling Mysteries and Thrillers to Keep You on the Edge of Your Seat

Summer is prime time for a good thriller. These 10 mysteries and thrillers will keep you guessing until the very last page, making them perfect additions to your summer reading list. Prepare for suspense!

• “The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides: A psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. [Amazon Link]
• "The Guest List" by Lucy Fokley: A locked-room mystery set on a remote island during a lavish wedding. [Amazon Link]
• "The Woman in Cabin 10" by Ruth Ware: A suspenseful thriller about a journalist who witnesses a murder at sea. [Amazon Link]
• "The Reversal" by Michael Connelly: A legal thriller that explores the complexities of the justice system. [Amazon Link]
• "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins: A psychological thriller that follows a woman who becomes entangled in a missing person's case. [Amazon Link]
• "Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn: A twisty and suspenseful thriller that explores the dark side of marriage. [Amazon Link]
• "The Da Vinci Code" by Dan Brown: A historical thriller that follows a symbologist who uncovers a centuries-old conspiracy. [Amazon Link]
• "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson: A crime thriller that follows a journalist and a hacker as they investigate a decades-old disappearance. [Amazon Link]
• "Big Little Lies" by Liane Moriarty: A captivating novel about three mothers whose lives intertwine in unexpected ways. [Amazon Link]
• "The Silent Companions" by Laura Purcell: A gothic suspense novel about a young woman who inherits a mysterious house. [Amazon Link]

Crime Fiction for Summer Reading

For those who prefer crime fiction, "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" offers a gripping blend of mystery and suspense, while "Big Little Lies" provides a captivating look into the lives of ordinary people with dark secrets. "The Reversal" offers a compelling legal thriller experience.

Conclusion

This summer, escape the ordinary with our curated list of 30 best books to read. Whether you're looking for a gripping mystery, a heartwarming romance, or a thought-provoking non-fiction read, we've got you covered. This diverse selection ensures there's something for every reader to enjoy during those long summer days.

Start planning your summer reading list today! Dive into these incredible books and discover your next favorite summer read. Share your summer reading picks in the comments below! Don’t miss out on the best books to read this summer!